Scenes from the Goodreads book swap with Kogi BBQ at Book Soup

If you weren't at Book Soup yesterday afternoon, you missed the Goodreads book swap. The social-networking-through-books website provided tables where people brought books to give away -- and where they gathered to take away books left by others -- all free of charge. That's Otis Chandler, Goodreads' founder, above left in the white T-shirt; he picked up a couple of James Bond books.

Those who were patient enough to wait in line for 45 minutes or more got lunch -- for a reasonable price -- from the Kogi BBQ taco truck, which set up shop in Book Soup's back parking lot.

A DJ booth behind the truck kept those waiting in line entertained, if not entirely distracted from their grumbling stomachs.

The Bauers came from Burbank. Steven, left, picked up a copy of the 1975 bestseller "Shogun" by James Clavell, while Lauren, right, got a copy of "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle," a 2008 Oprah book club selection. Claire, center, came for the tacos.

More swap scenes after the jump.

To get in line or not to get in line? That is the question.

While Book Soup was open, as usual, with books for sale, people focused on the outdoor tables; it's hard to beat free. Below, friends share their scores.

-- Carolyn Kellogg

All photos by Carolyn Kellogg

Comments

[Jamie E.]

The book swap was SUCH a great time, I got some incredible books, had a great Kimchi Quesadilla, & left with a lot of good memories with some new friends. I hope these happen more often!